Eggs are a staple on all of our supermarket shopping lists. Due to our hectic lifestyles, we sometimes forget that we have purchased them. As a result, they may be forgotten in our vehicles.
So, what happens if eggs are left in a car? Eggs left in a warm vehicle for more than two hours may begin to develop germs and spoil. In most cases, eggs left in a car during cooler weather will be alright. If eggs begin to “sweat,” this wetness may indicate that they are susceptible to bacterial growth.
However, the length of time they may be kept out depends on the temperature of the vehicle and if they were purchased from a store or a farm.
You likely have further concerns regarding how to determine if your eggs are still edible and the optimal storage temperature.
How to Determine whether Eggs Left in a Car are Safe to Eat
To determine whether your eggs are safe to eat after being left in the car, you can:
- Float test
- Shake test
- Smell test
Meeting The Float Test Requirements
If you are unsure whether or not your eggs are still edible, the float test is an easy technique to determine this.
The eggshell is semipermeable, which means air may travel through it. As an egg ages, more air is able to flow through its shell, causing it to float.
If an egg floats in a glass or bowl of cold water, it is stale and no longer edible. It is still excellent even if it sinks on its side. If something sinks but stands upright, it is still edible but beginning to spoil.
The disadvantage of this test is that eggs should not be placed in water. Due to the egg’s semipermeable nature, water can be absorbed into it. Consequently, the presence of bacteria in the water may heighten the danger of contamination.
If you choose to do this test, utilize the eggs immediately if they pass to avoid any germs from the water from developing into the egg.
Successfully Passing The Shake Test
Although less accurate, the shake test includes shaking an egg while holding it to one’s ear.
If you do not hear anything when shaking the egg, it is still edible.
Aged egg yolk will lose its structure and become more liquid. As a result, the egg will produce a sloshing sound when shaken.
Passing The Trustworthy Smell Test
If the egg has an odor other than neutral, it has gone rotten.
Bad eggs smell Sulfuric/Sour. If the egg has a foul odor before or after you crack it open, it is likely no longer edible.
What Occurs If Eggs Are Left in a Car Overnight?
Overnight storage of store-bought eggs at temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit renders them inedible.
Any store-bought egg left out for more than two hours might begin to sweat, leading to the spread of germs. The time may vary based on the outside temperature.
However, even if you left your farm-fresh eggs in the car overnight, they are still edible. This is due to the fact that eggs do not require refrigeration unless they have been commercially cleaned or are already chilled.
The United States use a technology for egg washing that leaves commercially used eggs clean and with a longer shelf life, but without their cuticle covering. This coating prevents microorganisms from entering the egg. Therefore, cooling is required to prevent the growth of germs on or within the egg.
What Happens When Eggs Are Left in a Hot Car?
Between 30 minutes and one hour after being left in a car with a temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, eggs will begin to develop bacterial development.
Bacteria will infect eggs exposed to heat far faster than those left at room temperature. Therefore, you should do one of the following tests to guarantee that your eggs are still edible after being exposed to high temperatures for longer than 30 minutes.
Even fresh-from-the-farm eggs will spoil more rapidly at warmer temps. Although they may endure a bit longer than store-bought items in high temps, they too can swiftly perish in excessive heat.
For this reason, it is advisable to adhere to the same 30-minute limit for both farm-fresh and store-bought eggs.
Can Eggs Be Left in a Cold Car?
Eggs left in a vehicle with a temperature of 40 degrees or less will remain edible.
Frequently, refrigerators are set at 40 degrees or below. If the car’s temperature is equivalent to that of a refrigerator, then your eggs will be alright. They are essentially being chilled in your automobile.
Depending on the temperature, eggs can be stored in a cool car for up to five weeks. However, your eggs will no longer be edible if the temperature changes above 40 degrees for more than two hours.
If the eggs have been left out for an extended amount of time and it is unknown whether the temperature changed, it is important to test them before ingesting them.
What Happens If Eggs Are Left in the Car and Freeze?
Eggs that have been exposed to temperatures below freezing are still edible if their shells have not ruptured.
If the egg’s shell is broken, it must be discarded since germs may have entered the shell.
However, the egg can still be utilized if it has not cracked. According to the USDA, a previously frozen egg should stay frozen until it is used. When you’re ready to use it, defrost it in the refrigerator before cooking it.
The yolk of a frozen egg will get thicker and more syrupy. As a result, it will not combine as effectively with the egg white or other potential components. Because of this, it is preferable to only hard-cook frozen eggs.
Eggs Can Be Left in the Car for a Limited Time. Store-bought eggs should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. However, if your automobile is sufficiently chilly, it may be safe to leave them overnight.
If you are ever unsure whether or not your eggs are edible, you may simply test them using one of the suggested methods.
If you are still undecided, go get new ones. There is no need to risk salmonella illness if you leave your eggs in the car for a little too long.
How long may a farm-fresh egg be left out?
Farm-fresh eggs that have not been commercially washed can be stored at room temperature for two to three weeks.
These eggs protect themselves against salmonella infection on the inside by retaining their cuticle coat. However, they are still susceptible to bacterial development on the shell, so use caution.